Algorithms and complexity are at the heart of computer science, shaping how we design solutions and measure efficiency. This course provides a rigorous introduction to both the theory and practice of algorithms. You’ll begin with automata theory, exploring how machines recognise and process languages. You’ll then move into practical algorithmic techniques, including searching and sorting, before learning to design and evaluate recursive and iterative algorithms. Finally, you’ll study complexity theory, developing the ability to classify problems and understand computational limits. By combining abstract models with real-world techniques, this course equips you to design algorithms, assess performance, and reason about scalability. Whether you’re pursuing studies in computer science, preparing for a programming role, or aiming to strengthen your technical foundations, you’ll gain both theoretical insight and practical skills for tackling computing challenges.
Algorithms and Complexity
Recommended experience
What you'll learn
Design finite automata and explain how deterministic and non-deterministic machines recognise and process formal languages.
Implement, compare, and evaluate searching and sorting algorithms, analysing their performance and correctness in different contexts.
Create recursive and iterative algorithms, identifying scenarios where each approach provides clarity, efficiency, or scalability.
Analyse algorithms with asymptotic notation, explain complexity classes like P and NP, and interpret NP-completeness in computing.
Skills you'll gain
- Logical Reasoning
- Graph Theory
- Data Structures
- Performance Testing
- Computer Science
- Critical Thinking and Problem Solving
- Algorithms
- Critical Thinking
- Complex Problem Solving
- Game Theory
- Computational Thinking
- Theoretical Computer Science
- Analysis
- Computational Logic
- Programming Principles
- Skills section collapsed. Showing 10 of 15 skills.
Details to know
Add to your LinkedIn profile
February 2026
19 assignments
See how employees at top companies are mastering in-demand skills
Build your subject-matter expertise
- Learn new concepts from industry experts
- Gain a foundational understanding of a subject or tool
- Develop job-relevant skills with hands-on projects
- Earn a shareable career certificate
There are 4 modules in this course
In this module, we will cover the following key concepts: definitions, letters, strings, finite automata, language, deterministic and non-deterministic finite automata.
What's included
16 videos5 readings2 assignments2 ungraded labs
In this module, we will cover the following key concepts: algorithms, insertion sorts, bubble sorts, representation, binary search and heap sorts.
What's included
10 videos2 readings5 assignments1 discussion prompt1 ungraded lab
In this module, we will cover the following key concepts: recursion, iteration, quick sorts, merging lists, merge sorts, Shapley proofs and stable matching.
What's included
10 videos3 readings6 assignments1 discussion prompt
In this module, we will cover the following key concepts: efficiency, bubble sorts, binary search, asymptotic complexity, Big O notation, recursion complexity, master theorem, quick sorts and merge sorts.
What's included
14 videos2 readings6 assignments1 discussion prompt
Earn a career certificate
Add this credential to your LinkedIn profile, resume, or CV. Share it on social media and in your performance review.
Instructor
Why people choose Coursera for their career
Felipe M.
Jennifer J.
Larry W.
Chaitanya A.
Open new doors with Coursera Plus
Unlimited access to 10,000+ world-class courses, hands-on projects, and job-ready certificate programs - all included in your subscription
Advance your career with an online degree
Earn a degree from world-class universities - 100% online
Join over 3,400 global companies that choose Coursera for Business
Upskill your employees to excel in the digital economy
Frequently asked questions
To access the course materials, assignments and to earn a Certificate, you will need to purchase the Certificate experience when you enroll in a course. You can try a Free Trial instead, or apply for Financial Aid. The course may offer 'Full Course, No Certificate' instead. This option lets you see all course materials, submit required assessments, and get a final grade. This also means that you will not be able to purchase a Certificate experience.
When you enroll in the course, you get access to all of the courses in the Specialization, and you earn a certificate when you complete the work. Your electronic Certificate will be added to your Accomplishments page - from there, you can print your Certificate or add it to your LinkedIn profile.
Yes. In select learning programs, you can apply for financial aid or a scholarship if you can’t afford the enrollment fee. If fin aid or scholarship is available for your learning program selection, you’ll find a link to apply on the description page.
More questions
Financial aid available,